Pediatric Transplant Symposium

Dr. Lorraine Hamiwka is pleased to host the first ever pediatric multiorgan and multidisciplinary transplantation-focused symposium in a hybrid format, with the in-person component in Calgary, AB.

This symposium aims to highlight current and emerging opportunities for moving the latest evidence in pediatric transplant research into action in Alberta and internationally. It will comprise a keynote speaker, additional lectures, panel discussions, interactive sessions, and networking. This program brings together world-leading researchers (from Alberta, nationally, and internationally), health professionals, and patient, family, and donor research partners who are at the leading edge of pediatric transplant research. This forum will highlight major developments in the science behind improved care, treatment, and well-being of patients and families prior to, at the time of, and following an organ transplant. This event is free.

Session 1: Equity in Care for Pediatric Transplant Patients and Families (9:30 – 10:25)

This session will focus on key issues surrounding equitable access and care in pediatric transplantation. Moderated by Dr. Aviva Goldberg, the session opens with Social Disparities in Transplantation (9:30 – 9:50 AM), presented by Dr. Caroline Tait, who will explore the impact of social factors on access and outcomes for pediatric transplant patients and families.
Following this, Dr. Sofia Ahmed will present on Sex and Gender in Pediatric Transplantation (9:50 – 10:10), discussing the unique health challenges related to these factors. The session concludes with a Q&A (10:10 – 10:25), allowing participants to interact with the speakers and deepen their understanding of equitable care for pediatric transplant patients.
Register below to ensure you are a part of these insightful discussions!
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About Dr. Aviva Goldberg

Dr. Aviva Goldberg is Section Head of Nephrology in the Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, the Associate Dean for UGME Student Affairs and co directs the UGME Professionalism Program at the Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada. She completed a clinical fellowship in Bioethics and Medical Humanities and Northwestern University and a Masters of Arts in Bioethics and Health Policy from Loyola University Chicago. Dr. Goldberg is the Secretary of the Canadian Society of Transplantation and Vice Chair of the AFMC Student Affairs Section. She has published and lectured nationally and internationally on ethics, health policy and medical humanities subjects in transplantation, ethics and pediatrics. She co-edited the book Ethical Issues in Pediatric Organ Transplantation, the first book solely on pediatric transplant ethics. She is a recipient of the Canadian Association of Medical Education’s 2018 Certificate of Merit a 2022 Martha Donovan Women’s Leadership Award and multiple other teaching awards.
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About Dr. Caroline Tait

Dr. Caroline Tait is a medical anthropologist with particular research interests in Indigenous health and social justice. She earned her MA at the University of California (Berkeley), and her PhD at McGill University. Dr. Tait is a member of the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan and grew up in a small Métis community in central Saskatchewan. With Dr. Michael Moser, Dr. Tait established the Saskatchewan First Nation and Métis Organ Donation and Transplantation Network made up of Knowledge Keepers, persons with lived experience, researchers, physicians, and students. Dr. Tait has joined the Faculty of Social Work and the Cumming School of Medicine (Department of Community Health Sciences) at the University of Calgary in January 2023.
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About Dr. Sofia Ahmed

Dr. Ahmed is a Professor in the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary. The recipient of the 2022 Hypertension Canada Senior Investigator Award, she is a nephrologist and clinician-scientist with a focus on sex and gender differences in human cardiovascular/kidney physiology and clinical outcomes. Dr. Ahmed is the Vice Chair (Research) for the Department of Medicine, Lead of the Libin Institute Women’s Cardiovascular Health Research Initiative at the University of Calgary and Lead of the Alberta Strategy for Patient Oriented Research Capacity Development Platform. Dr. Ahmed is an Advisory Board member for the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Institute of Gender and Health, a member of the Canadian Medical Association Journal Governing Council and the President-Elect for the Organization for the Study of Sex Differences.
Dr. Ahmed completed her MD and internal medicine residency at the University of Toronto and a nephrology fellowship at Brigham and Women’s and Massachusetts General Hospitals in Boston. She completed her Master’s in Medical Sciences at Harvard University. The recipient of the 2021 Canadian Medical Association May Cohen Award for Women Mentors and the 2020 American Society of Nephrology Distinguished Mentor Award, Dr. Ahmed is strong proponent of the importance of mentorship and fostering excellence in the next generation of researchers.